Our most recent interview is with Akomplice’s own Patrick. I talk candidly with Patrick about entering the fashion business for the first time, his brother Mike and what’s next in store for the line.

It takes blood, sweat and sometimes tears to make it big. Two brothers from Colorado shared a dream and have been living it ever since. Patrick and Mike established Akomplice in 2004. Akomplice is one of the most recognized urban apparel brands out there-with everyone from Outkast to the cast of HBO’s Entourage sporting their line.

Bizzom: What’s a day in the life of Akomplice like?

Patrick: It changes everyday, and that is one of the best things about Akomplice. One week I could be in Vegas at a trade show selling our products to retailers. Then the next week I could be putting together a release party for Akomplice with one of my favorite artists. Most jobs these days you’re a sprocket or a cog, and you have the same function in the company day in and day out. Thank god I got something that changes up so much.

Bizzom: What’s the concept behind the name Akomplice?

Patrick: This is a funny story. Mike was going through the dictionary looking for a name and read accomplish. I thought he said Accomplice and was like “that’s hot but we will spell it with a K instead of two C’s”. As you can see, we didn’t make it far into the dictionary, which is a blessing in disguise because by having a name that starts with the Letter A, we are always at the top of the list on websites. This means that when people are shopping online or looking at stuff they end up checking us out first before they get bored of clicking other brands. We chose Akomplice because it means partner/sidekick but it kind of has a harder sounding edge because the word is associated with crime. It feels intelligent, strong, and clean.

Bizzom: What do you think gives Akomplice edge over other clothing brands?

Patrick: Super Hot Clothes.

Bizzom:How would you describe your own sense of style?

Patrick: It continues to change. Currently I tend to be clean and calm with a strong punch of color. I am mixing contemporary with streetwear for a lack of a better word.

Bizzom:Who’s more hands on with Akomplice- you or your brother Mike?

Patrick: Mike is more hands on with design and I am more hands on with the retailers and the musicians we work with.

Bizzom: At what point in your life did you decide to take the route of establishing a clothing line?

Patrick: I didn’t. Mike said, “I wanna actually make clothing that has a meaning”. I told him “we can’t deviate from making our music, people like it. And if we are to make it we gotta stay focused. Plus you don’t know how to work any design programs”. Mike said, “Naw, I am just going to do both”. Then boom. Season 1. Which was honestly Mike’s first designs ever. He made 10 designs and we used 7 of them.

Bizzom: Do you remember the first article of clothing you created?

Patrick: Yes we got in the shirt “Death for Peace?” The printers we used for that were shitty quality and it was before we made the blob in the background look like the USA (see pic below). We were still hyped, but we knew there was a lot that needed improvement.

Bizzom: Your clothing line has featured in prestigious magazines and worn by several celebrities-that’s a huge accomplishment. Are you surprised with the success the line has received?

Patrick: Yes and no. We put in a lot of work to grow the brand gradually and made a lot of good moves. We had a lot of great luck also. One of the biggest reasons we have been successful is because people have just naturally liked our clothes. Many brands are built on hype and connections. Our brand was built by the people. And of course having artists like: The Game, Alchemist, Big Boi, Ludacris, Raekwon of Wu-Tang, Young Joc, Turtle from Entourage, Guru of Gangstarr, Immortal Technique, Talib Kweli, and Nate Robinson rocking the gear in music videos, magazines, or just on the daily, has been inspiring and super helpful.

Bizzom: Entering the fashion industry takes a lot of courage, did you go in with high expectations?

Patrick: When Mike started it he just wanted to sell at the local Skate shop Casual Culture. Funny thing is Casual Culture didn’t buy our first season, but True of SF did. True was the coolest store I had ever been to at the time so we were real excited. I still remember the feeling.

Bizzom: In the Biography you state that you aren’t afraid to take risks. Do you still stand by that?

Patrick: Yeah. Not that I am always not afraid, but more so don’t not do something because you are afraid.

Bizzom: What’s next in store for Akomplice?

Patrick: We have a lot of crazy things brewing. In October our plan is to start releasing our 5-year projects. We have a collaboration shoe and all sorts of ill joints.

Bizzom: Have you ever thought about expanding your brand? Perhaps creating a female line?

Patrick: We constantly are. This season we are releasing our first shorts, sweaters, polos and boxers. Last season we came out with our first down coat, vest, flask, scarf, New Era, and rugby. We plan on just keep doing new and exciting things.

We have dabbled in women’s clothing which always sells great, but we just haven’t put a enough focus on making a women’s line. We had a season where we made 3 exclusive women’s designs and they did great, but the next season we did get it together.

Bizzom: There are thousands of hopefuls who aspire to create their own line one day. What’s the best piece of advice you could give them?

Patrick: Don’t spend money left and right. Also if possible bring something new to the market.

Be sure to check out Akomplice’s web store. You’ll find all the exclusives there. Store: www.akomplice-clothing.com

Images: Akomplice

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